Event Videos — Literary Lights

Featured Speaker: Nicole Haroutunian Olivia Katrandjian Date: October 19, 2025 Virtual event The October edition of Literary Lights 2025 featured Nicole Haroutunian, author of Choose This Now, in conversation with writer, journalist and IALA founder Olivia Katrandjian. Inseparable friends Val-and-Tal are used to making their decisions together. But what happens when their choices become their own? CHOOSE THIS NOW, a novel-in-stories, illuminates the small moments that shape their lives across nearly twenty years. On Val’s 21st birthday—which falls on Halloween—a sudden act of violence interrupts a longed-for kiss. This unfinished moment haunts Val year after year until she materializes in...

AILA's Literary Lights 2025 reading series returns with an event featuring Aram Mrjoian, editor and author of Waterline, in conversation with award-winning writer Chris McCormick.

Our June edition of Literary Lights 2025 reading series features Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, professor, curator and author of Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature, in conversation with award-winning writer Nancy Kricorian. 

Highlighting the launch of our reading series, Literary Lights 2025, featuring Wasafiri Magazine’s special “Armenia(n)s – Elevation” issue editors and contributors.